FLL's Second Research Meeting: Monday, October 16, 2006

Today was the second day of researching for the FLL team projects/presentations. I headed them since...programming's not really up and running yet, with the lack of robot and such. Anyhow, we all met and I asked each team's researchers/presenters to choose their narrowed topic on nanotechnology (from the research they did last time). Most of them didn't seem too happy, doing the "boring" (as they termed it) part of FLL, but I tried to get them motivated. Hey, there's no rule against being done early and helping out with the rest of the team, is there? :D They didn't seem to think it's fair to have to be stuck in research as opposed to switching out like last year....

Personally, I think they chose topics that are pretty interesting and varied, from medical to environmental applications. I had them get on the computers (despite the small number of working ones we have) and start their powerpoint and research for the information at goes on there. I found it's kind of hard to keep track of what was found on what website if they're just researching all over. Some of the URL's are too long to note down and...why make them write down the paper just to transfer that to the computer again? SO! Research while compiling the powerpoint. Of course, I told them to summarize and not plagiarize.... I was drifting from computer to computer, checking and they all look good (i.e. not just copying and pasting).

There was one student who just learned how to use (rather, what is) powerpoint today. I was surprised, but happy to show him. Wooo! Expansion of technological knowledge!!! That makes me wonder just how much people out there are exposed to technology. Do they all have at least one computer, like I imagine...? I know one of my friends doesn't have a computer at all. Makes me sad.

I want to teach these kids to get excited about knowledge, how to make an efficient powerpoint, and...how to present effectively! After all, there's going to be a lot of that in high school. Don't want them making the same mistakes I did! ^.~